An apparatus for measuring mechanoluminescent light includes a chamber defining an enclosure for a portion of a structure to be monitored and providing an opening fitted onto the structure. The structure has a mechanoluminescent material thereon. The apparatus further includes an imaging sensor positioned and configured to take images of the mechanoluminescent material and an electronic controller in wired or wireless communication with the imaging sensor, the electronic controller being capable of controlling the properties of the imaging sensor and processing the images of the mechanoluminescent material.